8 of 9 candidates say they will forgo pay, insurance

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, August 21, 2019

We are candidates for public hospital district commissioner on the November ballot. We are writing to make clear where we stand on the question of compensation.

Some voters have expressed concern that property taxes the hospital district collects would be used in part to pay commissioners a salary and perhaps provide them with health insurance.

State law does authorize districts to pay commissioners for each day or partial day spent on district business. The current per diem rate is $128, with an annual limit of about $12,000.

But the law also allows commissioners to waive compensation by filing written notices to that effect. If elected, we intend to sign such waivers. We also do not intend to accept health insurance from the district, if it is offered. For us, serving our island community is reward enough.

Donald P. Wolczko – Pos. 1

Eric Pryne – Pos. 2

Bill West – Pos. 3

LeeAnn Brown – Pos. 3

Dan Erin – Pos. 4

Wendy Noble – Pos. 4

Bonny S. Olney – Pos.5

Tom Langland – Pos. 5